Hey Everyone! My name is Cullen Cash and I will be your Pool Coordinator this summer! I am currently studying Business Administration at Roanoke College. I went to Camp Alta Mons a few summers when I was a kid and I am more than excited to be able to come back as an adult as one of the many people that I looked up to as a camper. Before this summer, I worked at a local pool near my house. I was a lifeguard for five years before being promoted to a manager and during my time there I learned just about everything there was to know about taking care of a pool and making sure everyone was safe while still having a great time in the heat of summer.

As you can see in my picture, I am demonstrating the “Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces" principle of the seven “Leave No Trace” Principles. These "durable surfaces" can be established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grass, or even snow. It is not only very important for the environment that one follows this rule but it is also very important for one’s personal safety. One of the main reasons for this principle is to preserve nature so that many people can enjoy the beautiful and pristine wilderness for many years to come. Some more ways to preserve nature include walking in single file on trails and keeping any campsites small to avoid invading the native species. There are not, however, always established campsites. In these cases, it is important not to use the same camp sites repetitively to keep from disturbing the nature.

I have been familiar with these principles since I began Boy Scouts when I was younger. For me, the Leave No Trace principles are very important because I want people for many generations to come to see how beautiful everything is that God has created. The beauty of nature is often overlooked and is most definitely more amazing than any of the Seven Wonders of the World. I look forward to a great summer at Camp Alta Mons!